Little girl asks to borrow swan, Queen responds

The little girl didn't expect to get a response from the Queen of England to her request to keep a swan. Photo / Getty Images

A five-year-old girl wrote to Queen Elizabeth II asking if she could borrow a swan to have as a pet, since it's commonly known that the Queen owns all swans in Britain.

Lyndsay Simpson really wanted to have a pet swan so decided to try requesting one from Her Majesty.

She explained in her letter to the Queen that she would take great care of her pet swan and keep it in the bath.

According to The Times, Jennie Vine, deputy correspondence co-ordinator at Buckingham Palace, told little Lyndsay that the Queen had taken "careful note" of her request.

However, she wouldn't be able to grant her wish.

It turns out it is a misconception that the Queen owns all the swans in Britain.

"The Queen has asked me to thank you for your letter... from which Her Majesty has taken careful note of your comments regarding the keeping of swans as pets," Vine said in her response to the girl.

"I should perhaps explain that it is a common misconception that The Queen owns all the swans in the United Kingdom.

"Her Majesty owns mute swans and only exercises her right of ownership over swans on certain parts of the River Thames.

"It should be remembered that as native wild birds, swans now enjoy statutory protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

"The Queen was encouraged to know of your interest in our native birdlife and thought it kind of you to write as you did."

The little girl was reportedly ecstatic to receive a response from the Queen, even if it meant she won't be able to keep a swan in the bath after all.